Chapter12 

The next morning, I packed my bags and knocked on Mrs. Miller’s door. 

I pressed a bank card into her hand. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me over the years.” 

“This is the money I’ve saved. Please accept it as a token of my gratitude for raising me.” 

Mrs. Miller hesitated, trying to push the card back. “Sandy, I can’t…” 

“Take it,” I said, picking up my suitcase. “I need to get back to school. Goodbye.” 

I left the Miller house without looking back, feeling no regret. 

The line at the ticket counter was long. When I finally reached the front, there were no tickets left to Miami. 

The next available train wasn’t until the day after tomorrow. 

I ran a hand through my hair in frustration. Where was I supposed to go? 

I couldn’t sleep on the streets. 

Just as I was starting to panic, Edward appeared, carrying several bags. 

“Sandy!” 

His face lit up with a surprised smile as he hurried over. 

I was taken aback. “Edward! What a coincidence! You’re from Millerton too?” 

“Yeah. What are you…?” He trailed off, then his eyes widened. “Don’t tell me you have nowhere to go?” 

Edward’s voice was filled with concern. “Why don’t you spend the holidays with my family?” 

I hesitated. “Oh, I couldn’t impose…” 

“Nonsense,” he said with a grin. “It’s just me and my grandma. It’s pretty quiet. You’d liven things up.” 

“Besides, I don’t like the idea of you being all alone during the holidays.” 

He paused, then added, “Please, Sandy. Just keep my poor grandma company. She gets so bored by 

herself.” 

His pleading expression made me laugh. 

Unable to refuse, I finally agreed. 

Stepping out of the train station, a gust of cold wind made me shiver. 

Edward immediately took off his coat and draped it over my shoulders. 

10:52 am PIM 

taward immediately took off his coat and draped it over my shoulders. 

A faint woody scent enveloped me. 

“Cold? Millerton’s much colder than Miami.” 

I shook my head, warmth spreading through me. 

Edward’s house was in the old part of Millerton, a charming two–story building. 

As we stepped into the yard, the delicious aroma of dumplings filled the air. 

A silver–haired woman stood at the kitchen door, beaming at us. 

“Edward, you’re home! And who is this…?” 

Her gaze fell on me, and her eyes twinkled. “My, my, you’ve brought home a beautiful young lady this year!” 

I blushed, looking down shyly. 

“Grandma, this is Sandy Miller, a friend of mine,” Edward said with a smile. 

“Well, well, well. Come in and get warm.” 

Grandma Carter bustled back to the kitchen, and Edward carried my suitcase to the guest room. 

The room was small but cozy, the bed linens smelling of sunshine. 

“Rest for a bit. Dinner will be ready soon,” Edward said softly, setting down my suitcase. 

I nodded, sitting on the edge of the bed, watching the snow fall outside. A sense of tranquility settled over me. 

peace 

and 

Maybe this was what it felt like to have a home.